An upstart group with a deep southern base, who was once owned by George W. Bush, just beat the crap out of a bunch of Yankees. You see, nobody up north gave this group much of a chance. They dismissed them as too inexperienced and too reckless. But almost out of nowhere, they swooped into action, and starting picking up win after win.
The south is Mad, confident, and determined. And the performance of their rivals? Dismal. Disappointing. Underachieving. So, in a couple of weeks this Southern movement will be poised to take the ultimate prize... ...A majority in the U.S. house and senate.
Oh!, you thought I was talking about the ALCS? Well, ya that too, but the parallels to current politics are striking, and the incumbents are down to their last out.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Is Christine O'Donnell "You"?
Christine O'Donnell's new ad proclaims she is not a witch, she's "You". Well in many ways she's not me (I believe in evolution for one thing ). That said, she IS like many Americans. Many good bible-belt, Christian-Americans. And guess what? There's nothing wrong with that...so long as she represents all of her constituents in Washington (should she be elected).
Her new ad is nothing short of Genius. A very Simple and affective message about her humanity and how she is closer to YOU, than to those already in Washington. But I think there's a subtext here. We really shouldn't judge our politicians by their religious beliefs, no matter how crazy they may seem to us. Nor by things they may have experimented with at a young age. We should judge them on their experience, they're integrity, and their ability to be affective leaders and representatives of their constituency. Those are the things we need to know about Christine O'Donnell, not whether she was interested in witchcraft or is against masturbation.
Her new ad highlights her humanity, and puts out the simplest message. Not just that she's not the monster she's been painted to be. But more importantly, that she'd do what "we'd do" if she won the election. If that's true, then I hope she does. We could use a "me" in Washington.
Her new ad is nothing short of Genius. A very Simple and affective message about her humanity and how she is closer to YOU, than to those already in Washington. But I think there's a subtext here. We really shouldn't judge our politicians by their religious beliefs, no matter how crazy they may seem to us. Nor by things they may have experimented with at a young age. We should judge them on their experience, they're integrity, and their ability to be affective leaders and representatives of their constituency. Those are the things we need to know about Christine O'Donnell, not whether she was interested in witchcraft or is against masturbation.
Her new ad highlights her humanity, and puts out the simplest message. Not just that she's not the monster she's been painted to be. But more importantly, that she'd do what "we'd do" if she won the election. If that's true, then I hope she does. We could use a "me" in Washington.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Blame the GOP - for good and bad
The majority of Americans blame the GOP for our economic problems, yet, an even larger majority trust the GOP to get us back on track. It seems confusing, until you look at our recent economic history.
Yes, the country enjoyed a decade of economic prosperity in the 90's. But why? It's because of two things:
1) 1993-1999. The dot.com boom. The stock market (artificially) inflated on the anticipation that the Internet was the next big thing. People got rich off of Yahoo and google and Microsoft and Intel, etc.
But, how were those "start ups" able to get started and stay in business?
2).1984-1992. TAX BREAKS and other incentives for SMALL BUSINESS ...brought to you by ...the GOP (under Reagan and H. W. Bush).
2000-2008 - By the time Clinton was on his way out in 2000, the economy was already headed for a recession. This was mainly because the dot.com bubble burst. Enter, George W. Bush...who's tax cuts and fed policies kept the country from falling into a deeper recession. Eventually though, economic forces, greed and corruption, brought the entire system down. Just in time for the 2008 elections.
That's the history. What we need now is a congress that's ready to learn from it. Keep the policies that made us prosperous, but tighten the regulations so that they can't be exploited by the greedy and corrupt.
Yes, the country enjoyed a decade of economic prosperity in the 90's. But why? It's because of two things:
1) 1993-1999. The dot.com boom. The stock market (artificially) inflated on the anticipation that the Internet was the next big thing. People got rich off of Yahoo and google and Microsoft and Intel, etc.
But, how were those "start ups" able to get started and stay in business?
2).1984-1992. TAX BREAKS and other incentives for SMALL BUSINESS ...brought to you by ...the GOP (under Reagan and H. W. Bush).
2000-2008 - By the time Clinton was on his way out in 2000, the economy was already headed for a recession. This was mainly because the dot.com bubble burst. Enter, George W. Bush...who's tax cuts and fed policies kept the country from falling into a deeper recession. Eventually though, economic forces, greed and corruption, brought the entire system down. Just in time for the 2008 elections.
That's the history. What we need now is a congress that's ready to learn from it. Keep the policies that made us prosperous, but tighten the regulations so that they can't be exploited by the greedy and corrupt.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Republicans “Pledge” fiscal not social reform
The GOP's "Pledge to America" is getting a lot of press lately, and deservedly so. Both sides of the aisle are sounding off about it. You’ve probably heard what it contains. In case you haven’t, here’s a very high-level summary:
• Tax cuts for all Americans
• Reduce government spending
• Repeal the Obama-care law
• Tougher border, and homeland security, and
• A more fair and transparent congressional process.
I read the entire document, and what strikes me about this “Pledge” is what’s NOT in it. There’s no mention of privatizing Social Security, ending Medicare, or repealing regulations on Wall Street. And as for the “religious – right”… no mention of outlawing abortion or freezing government stem cell research funding. No church-vs-state legislation whatsoever. In fact, the word “God” doesn’t even appear in the document. Not once.
What does all this tell me? It tells me the Tea Party is not as radical as many feared, or at the very least the radical factions within it are not controling the GOP agenda. Republicans are setting our expectations that if we vote them into power in November, this is what they will focus on. It gives me hope that we could be headed in the right direction. A direction towards the middle, and away from the far left.
If the GOP can abide by this pledge, I think the economy will turn around, and our country can be more safe, and lead the world economically again. And If they don’t, well, they’ll be another election in 2012. The American people are running out of patience.
What do you think? Sound off with your comments.
• Tax cuts for all Americans
• Reduce government spending
• Repeal the Obama-care law
• Tougher border, and homeland security, and
• A more fair and transparent congressional process.
I read the entire document, and what strikes me about this “Pledge” is what’s NOT in it. There’s no mention of privatizing Social Security, ending Medicare, or repealing regulations on Wall Street. And as for the “religious – right”… no mention of outlawing abortion or freezing government stem cell research funding. No church-vs-state legislation whatsoever. In fact, the word “God” doesn’t even appear in the document. Not once.
What does all this tell me? It tells me the Tea Party is not as radical as many feared, or at the very least the radical factions within it are not controling the GOP agenda. Republicans are setting our expectations that if we vote them into power in November, this is what they will focus on. It gives me hope that we could be headed in the right direction. A direction towards the middle, and away from the far left.
If the GOP can abide by this pledge, I think the economy will turn around, and our country can be more safe, and lead the world economically again. And If they don’t, well, they’ll be another election in 2012. The American people are running out of patience.
What do you think? Sound off with your comments.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Back to School for Voters
My mother had an expression ..."There are three sides to every story; his, hers, and the truth".
I think this applies to politics especially (which makes me wish we had a true third party option). But lately I've been thinking...what if they didn't put any party affiliation on the ballot at all? (o.k. leave it in campaign and TV ads).
This would make everyone do their homework. Imagine it, voters couldn't just select R or D across the board. Sure, many republicans are pro-life, but not all. And many democrats want to raise taxes, but not all. And don't even get me started on Immigration reform. If there was no R no D... no anything...you'd have to know where the candidate stood before making a selection. Gee, imagine that.
O.k. so they're not likely to remove the political affiliation from the ballots any time soon, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still be educated voters. We are all so busy with our daily lives. It's easier to pick a side, and pull a row of levers then to really know what's going on. Who we appoint as our "Representatives" matters tremendously...especially at this time in history. It's well worth a little homework. If we want the political system to work, we have to work a little at it ourselves.
My father had an expression too... Long before computers, my blue-collar father with a 6th grade education used to say "Input equals output". I wish my dad was around to vote today.
I think this applies to politics especially (which makes me wish we had a true third party option). But lately I've been thinking...what if they didn't put any party affiliation on the ballot at all? (o.k. leave it in campaign and TV ads).
This would make everyone do their homework. Imagine it, voters couldn't just select R or D across the board. Sure, many republicans are pro-life, but not all. And many democrats want to raise taxes, but not all. And don't even get me started on Immigration reform. If there was no R no D... no anything...you'd have to know where the candidate stood before making a selection. Gee, imagine that.
O.k. so they're not likely to remove the political affiliation from the ballots any time soon, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still be educated voters. We are all so busy with our daily lives. It's easier to pick a side, and pull a row of levers then to really know what's going on. Who we appoint as our "Representatives" matters tremendously...especially at this time in history. It's well worth a little homework. If we want the political system to work, we have to work a little at it ourselves.
My father had an expression too... Long before computers, my blue-collar father with a 6th grade education used to say "Input equals output". I wish my dad was around to vote today.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9-11 - no words to describe it
My 8 year old daughter told me they were talking about 9-11 on the school bus. She called it the catastrophe of the twin towers. It hit me that she wasn't even born yet when this terrible event occurred.
But then I got to thinking about our choice of words to describe 9-11: catastrophe; tragedy; disaster. We would use the same words to describe a hurricane, or an earth quake. Somehow, they just don't do this event justice.
9-11 was also the direct cause of the War in Afghanistan. An appropriate and effective response. I personally will never forget President Bush standing on the ruble shortly after, and telling the ground zero crowd that the people who knocked down these buildings would hear from all of us soon. And they did.
Those who died on 9/11 and the war that followed, did not die in vain. The event opened our eyes as a nation, and caused us to sure-up our defenses. We will forever honor their memory.
In reality, 9-11 was a sneak-attack against innocent civilians, against a way of life (the American way) by people who really HATE us, resulting in great human and economic loss for our country. We don't have a word for that in the English language. Well...maybe we do now...9-11.
God bless the 9-11 victims and their families...and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
But then I got to thinking about our choice of words to describe 9-11: catastrophe; tragedy; disaster. We would use the same words to describe a hurricane, or an earth quake. Somehow, they just don't do this event justice.
9-11 was also the direct cause of the War in Afghanistan. An appropriate and effective response. I personally will never forget President Bush standing on the ruble shortly after, and telling the ground zero crowd that the people who knocked down these buildings would hear from all of us soon. And they did.
Those who died on 9/11 and the war that followed, did not die in vain. The event opened our eyes as a nation, and caused us to sure-up our defenses. We will forever honor their memory.
In reality, 9-11 was a sneak-attack against innocent civilians, against a way of life (the American way) by people who really HATE us, resulting in great human and economic loss for our country. We don't have a word for that in the English language. Well...maybe we do now...9-11.
God bless the 9-11 victims and their families...and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Lyrics - We Are All New Yorkers
We Are All New Yorkers
{Monty}
For the first time, in many years, I got down on my knees to pray.
My sisters cousin Lawrence, went up to heaven that day.
Many heroes,vanishing, but in our hearts are found.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Stacy}
Neighbors who never spoke to me, were now saying hello.
We watched as Rudy, calmed the city. I remember loving him so.
Hope, and solidarity, I felt it all through town.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Mike}
Total Anger, total rage, yet still no time to weep.
I guess they never heard about waking a giant who's asleep.
Those cowards, the ones responsible, we'll hunt them like a hound.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Amber}
Seven wakes, and funerals, I really cried a lot.
But I gained strength in knowing, that we took their best shot.
Patrick, Jim, and Kevin...Their laughter, how I miss the sound.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Ahkeel} - (Pakistani cab driver)
Some People look at my face, as if I were to blame.
But the ones that you call enemies.. I hate them...I hate them just the same.
Bastards, thinking they'd escaped, now lay like dogs in a pound.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
Fallen walls and shattered lives, in sand a line was drawn.
But our souls and faith came alive, our spirit no less torn
Our children will not live in fear. A promise, to which we are bound
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
From the musical FIVE BOROUGHS (by John McDermott)
(Copyright). John McDermott
{Monty}
For the first time, in many years, I got down on my knees to pray.
My sisters cousin Lawrence, went up to heaven that day.
Many heroes,vanishing, but in our hearts are found.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Stacy}
Neighbors who never spoke to me, were now saying hello.
We watched as Rudy, calmed the city. I remember loving him so.
Hope, and solidarity, I felt it all through town.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Mike}
Total Anger, total rage, yet still no time to weep.
I guess they never heard about waking a giant who's asleep.
Those cowards, the ones responsible, we'll hunt them like a hound.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Amber}
Seven wakes, and funerals, I really cried a lot.
But I gained strength in knowing, that we took their best shot.
Patrick, Jim, and Kevin...Their laughter, how I miss the sound.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
{Ahkeel} - (Pakistani cab driver)
Some People look at my face, as if I were to blame.
But the ones that you call enemies.. I hate them...I hate them just the same.
Bastards, thinking they'd escaped, now lay like dogs in a pound.
{All}
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
Fallen walls and shattered lives, in sand a line was drawn.
But our souls and faith came alive, our spirit no less torn
Our children will not live in fear. A promise, to which we are bound
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS, YOU DON'T PUSH US AROUND
From the musical FIVE BOROUGHS (by John McDermott)
(Copyright). John McDermott
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Ground Zero Mosque: Politically Incorrect
So...in the wake of rising Anti-Islamic sentiment all across the United States..(Which is a shame)...The Imam plans to go ahead and build an Islamic center near ground zero anyway...(This is also a shame). But is it legal? I say yes, but that doesn't mean a legal argument can't be made against it.
In 2008 a Tennessee federal appeals court upheld a prohibition on displaying the Confederate flag in a high school that had experienced racial tensions. The ruling stated "The facts in this case ... indicate that school officials could reasonably forecast that permitting students to wear clothing depicting the Confederate flag would cause disruptions to the school environment''. It doesn't say the flag was illegal or it was unconstitutional to wear it...but they banned it anyway. Why? Because it was for the common good. To stop bad things from happening. o.k. people, this was a school...what about an entire city? New York City?
Clearly punishing all "Muslims" or "Islam" for 9/11 is as crazy as personally punishing all white people for African American slavery. Just because I share the same race of those who committed those atrocity's, doesn't mean I should be punished right? No, but it does mean that I MUST walk a line of political correctness. and sensitivity for those who were wronged. And as cited above, in some cases this can and is legislated.
Look, I'll be the first one to say they've got a legal right to build it. But I think there's legal, and common-sense grounds to oppose it. The Imam should take the high road and move it...or scrap it. Why won't he?
All the controversy over this Mosque, in the wake of the fast approaching 10-year anniversary of 9/11...means quit frankly that many people WILL NEVER FORGET, and some have already forgotten...their common sense and respect.
Click here for more about the Confederate flag ban
In 2008 a Tennessee federal appeals court upheld a prohibition on displaying the Confederate flag in a high school that had experienced racial tensions. The ruling stated "The facts in this case ... indicate that school officials could reasonably forecast that permitting students to wear clothing depicting the Confederate flag would cause disruptions to the school environment''. It doesn't say the flag was illegal or it was unconstitutional to wear it...but they banned it anyway. Why? Because it was for the common good. To stop bad things from happening. o.k. people, this was a school...what about an entire city? New York City?
Clearly punishing all "Muslims" or "Islam" for 9/11 is as crazy as personally punishing all white people for African American slavery. Just because I share the same race of those who committed those atrocity's, doesn't mean I should be punished right? No, but it does mean that I MUST walk a line of political correctness. and sensitivity for those who were wronged. And as cited above, in some cases this can and is legislated.
Look, I'll be the first one to say they've got a legal right to build it. But I think there's legal, and common-sense grounds to oppose it. The Imam should take the high road and move it...or scrap it. Why won't he?
All the controversy over this Mosque, in the wake of the fast approaching 10-year anniversary of 9/11...means quit frankly that many people WILL NEVER FORGET, and some have already forgotten...their common sense and respect.
Click here for more about the Confederate flag ban
Monday, September 6, 2010
Machete - Another Hollywood Surprise
I recently saw the movie Machete. It looked like a fun, campy romp, and for the most part it was. It wasn’t a great movie, but it had its funny moments. I’d say its worth the price of admission just to see Lindsay Lohan in a nuns habit (even though she wears practically NOTHING else throughout the rest of the film).
That said, Machete is another example of what I call a Hollywood Surprise movie. That’s a movie with a political message you didn’t realize was there, until you paid money to see it. I just couldn’t get past it the entire film.
When I left the movie I thought maybe it was me, maybe I was ubber-sensitive to illegal immigration issues, and maybe I just don’t like demonizing politicians who want to actually DO something about it. And then I read John Anderson’s review in Newsday.
John’s review ends with “…with it’s civil rights subtext, the movie stirs a potent political message into its mayhem”. I sure wish I’d have read that BEFORE I went to see the film.
It’s actually worse than that. The entire movie’s premise is that latino’s who cross the border illegally are victims and those who help them are heroes. And those who want to stop them must be corrupt with ulterior motives. I was squirming in my seat.
As the laughs and cheers of encouragement from the (mostly) youthful audience continued to build throughout the movie, I couldn’t help but think to myself…what message is this sending? And when Michelle Rodriguez cried out “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!” I got my answer. But what should I expect from Hollywood!
That said, Machete is another example of what I call a Hollywood Surprise movie. That’s a movie with a political message you didn’t realize was there, until you paid money to see it. I just couldn’t get past it the entire film.
When I left the movie I thought maybe it was me, maybe I was ubber-sensitive to illegal immigration issues, and maybe I just don’t like demonizing politicians who want to actually DO something about it. And then I read John Anderson’s review in Newsday.
John’s review ends with “…with it’s civil rights subtext, the movie stirs a potent political message into its mayhem”. I sure wish I’d have read that BEFORE I went to see the film.
It’s actually worse than that. The entire movie’s premise is that latino’s who cross the border illegally are victims and those who help them are heroes. And those who want to stop them must be corrupt with ulterior motives. I was squirming in my seat.
As the laughs and cheers of encouragement from the (mostly) youthful audience continued to build throughout the movie, I couldn’t help but think to myself…what message is this sending? And when Michelle Rodriguez cried out “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!” I got my answer. But what should I expect from Hollywood!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Universe – Random or God’s grand design?
Stephen Hawking argues in his new book “The Grand Design” that God did not create the universe and the "Big Bang" was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics. This got me thinking about the universe and its creation. As somewhat of an intellectual, who believes in both science and God, the two are not easy to reconcile.
The more I learn, the more I can’t help but think how insignificant our planet (and even our universe) and the living things on it are in the grand scheme of things. To me, life on our planet is like moss growing on a tiny rock at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Any microscopic life living off that moss, will never understand how it got there, or it’s relation to the rest of the earth. Does that mean there was no grand design?
In fact, I believe our entire universe is also insignificant. Quantum science is already pretty sure there are as many as 11 universes in what they call String Theory. I think there’s even more than that. Quantum Science also has some interesting new theories about all the empty space in the universe, which seems to have gravitational relationships with solid objects like galaxies (Dark Matter).
It’s all so scientific, so random, so complicated. There can’t possibly be any grand design right? Or is there? Let’s see… Almost everything small (an atom) or large (a solar system or galaxy) has something at the center with everything else with mass in close proximity revolving around it. And everything seems to pull or push on everything else via a force we can’t see…gravity. Our earth owes its existence to the sun in which we revolve around; it was born as a byproduct of the sun’s creation. Vast amounts of energy ‘creating’ other “dependant” things that also create other things that depend on them (in essence isn’t the Sun the grandfather of Saturn’s moons?). Random Or designed?
Perhaps it’s all an example, a cosmic microcosm, of the grand design of the “creator” of ALL of these things, including humans. Perhaps it’s all just explained away as random events. You decide for yourself.
The more I learn, the more I can’t help but think how insignificant our planet (and even our universe) and the living things on it are in the grand scheme of things. To me, life on our planet is like moss growing on a tiny rock at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Any microscopic life living off that moss, will never understand how it got there, or it’s relation to the rest of the earth. Does that mean there was no grand design?
In fact, I believe our entire universe is also insignificant. Quantum science is already pretty sure there are as many as 11 universes in what they call String Theory. I think there’s even more than that. Quantum Science also has some interesting new theories about all the empty space in the universe, which seems to have gravitational relationships with solid objects like galaxies (Dark Matter).
It’s all so scientific, so random, so complicated. There can’t possibly be any grand design right? Or is there? Let’s see… Almost everything small (an atom) or large (a solar system or galaxy) has something at the center with everything else with mass in close proximity revolving around it. And everything seems to pull or push on everything else via a force we can’t see…gravity. Our earth owes its existence to the sun in which we revolve around; it was born as a byproduct of the sun’s creation. Vast amounts of energy ‘creating’ other “dependant” things that also create other things that depend on them (in essence isn’t the Sun the grandfather of Saturn’s moons?). Random Or designed?
Perhaps it’s all an example, a cosmic microcosm, of the grand design of the “creator” of ALL of these things, including humans. Perhaps it’s all just explained away as random events. You decide for yourself.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Mideast peace under Obama?
So now that President Obama has arbitrarily ended the Iraq war...(A war he never supported and never wanted to see succeed) via a controversial artificial timeline…he can focus his efforts on more important matters (to him). NO! not the economy…Mideast peace for goodness sakes.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I wish him well. I would love to see this happen. While it’s a huge long-shot, Obama may be uniquely positioned to do it. Not because of his good track record on Israel or his close relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu…but because of his lack of both.
The president and his administration failed to publicly support Israel’s right to use military force to uphold it’s blockage during the Turkish flotilla crisis. And Obama chose to side against Israel during the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference (the United States accepted language calling on Israel to join the NPT and supporting a conference in 2013 on a nuclear-free Middle East). Israel was left all by itself in opposition.
No, President Obama hasn’t been as Pro-Israel as past presidents…especially George W. Bush. But those past ties have been traditionally due to common Judeo-Christian values, something President Obama has shown little interest in championing (just to be clear…before I get misquoted…I did not just call him a Muslim).
So perhaps now the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will have just a little more trust that the U.S. (under Obama) will not automatically side with Israel in the talks, and more importantly, in the enforcement of the terms thereafter. And that would certainly help as it seems Netanyahu is ready to deal. Of course that would require Obama to be around for a second term...which given the current course and speed...is questionable at best.
Of course none of this matters if both parties aren't willing to own the problem and accomplish all that needs to be accomplished. So what will it take..exactly? Here's my Mideast peace checklist:
1. Palestine (and the region) need to acknowledge and respect Israel's right to exists as a sovereign nation.
2. Israel needs to offer true concessions (stop building in the west bank) and support a Palestinian state.
3. Palestinians and Arab nations must acknowledge and respect Mahmoud Abbas' decisions
4. All violence against Israel must stop
5. All parties must trust the US and UN commitment to unbiased help enforce the terms of the agreement
Perhaps Obama's relatively poor relationship with Israel will be an asset to accomplishing these goals. Perhaps not. Good luck Mr. President. Either way, I am rooting for you. No really...I am.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I wish him well. I would love to see this happen. While it’s a huge long-shot, Obama may be uniquely positioned to do it. Not because of his good track record on Israel or his close relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu…but because of his lack of both.
The president and his administration failed to publicly support Israel’s right to use military force to uphold it’s blockage during the Turkish flotilla crisis. And Obama chose to side against Israel during the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference (the United States accepted language calling on Israel to join the NPT and supporting a conference in 2013 on a nuclear-free Middle East). Israel was left all by itself in opposition.
No, President Obama hasn’t been as Pro-Israel as past presidents…especially George W. Bush. But those past ties have been traditionally due to common Judeo-Christian values, something President Obama has shown little interest in championing (just to be clear…before I get misquoted…I did not just call him a Muslim).
So perhaps now the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will have just a little more trust that the U.S. (under Obama) will not automatically side with Israel in the talks, and more importantly, in the enforcement of the terms thereafter. And that would certainly help as it seems Netanyahu is ready to deal. Of course that would require Obama to be around for a second term...which given the current course and speed...is questionable at best.
Of course none of this matters if both parties aren't willing to own the problem and accomplish all that needs to be accomplished. So what will it take..exactly? Here's my Mideast peace checklist:
1. Palestine (and the region) need to acknowledge and respect Israel's right to exists as a sovereign nation.
2. Israel needs to offer true concessions (stop building in the west bank) and support a Palestinian state.
3. Palestinians and Arab nations must acknowledge and respect Mahmoud Abbas' decisions
4. All violence against Israel must stop
5. All parties must trust the US and UN commitment to unbiased help enforce the terms of the agreement
Perhaps Obama's relatively poor relationship with Israel will be an asset to accomplishing these goals. Perhaps not. Good luck Mr. President. Either way, I am rooting for you. No really...I am.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Prologue - Welcome to The Moderate Statesman
This introductory passage is the opening salvo, in my own personal war on political partisanship and monopolization of the political system by the far-left and the far-right. For the most part this is a political blog, however I will cover many other topics relevant to Main Street America, without necessarily politicising them.
The title I have chosen for my blog is The Moderate Statesman, and there is an obvious meaning behind the choice. I chose the title because this blog will represent Main Street America's views (and those I also consider common sense), versus the party line (hence Moderate). With that said, I am not a political or government expert (Thank God). Therefore the choice of Statesman in the title might seem odd, until you consider Merriam-Webster's second definition of the word: "one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship".
And now the purpose and passion of this blog comes into focus. You don't have to be a trained expert to be a leader. In fact, partisan politics is the direct opposite of leadership...it's follow-ship. Following and governing and speaking the party line.
This blogger is not beholden to any party line, he will tell it like it is, from Main Street America's perspective, while provoking thought and conversation around today's relevant topics. I hope you'll read and participate often.
The title I have chosen for my blog is The Moderate Statesman, and there is an obvious meaning behind the choice. I chose the title because this blog will represent Main Street America's views (and those I also consider common sense), versus the party line (hence Moderate). With that said, I am not a political or government expert (Thank God). Therefore the choice of Statesman in the title might seem odd, until you consider Merriam-Webster's second definition of the word: "one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship".
And now the purpose and passion of this blog comes into focus. You don't have to be a trained expert to be a leader. In fact, partisan politics is the direct opposite of leadership...it's follow-ship. Following and governing and speaking the party line.
This blogger is not beholden to any party line, he will tell it like it is, from Main Street America's perspective, while provoking thought and conversation around today's relevant topics. I hope you'll read and participate often.
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